Karate grand champions are crowned

MILFORD - Four new Grand Champions were crowned at the Milford Masonic Charities Karate Tournament in Dingmans Ferry on May 21. The ornate Grand Champion Belts were donated by Hemlock Sales of Lords Valley. Each of the recipients won first place in all four divisions of the tournament, self defense, weapons, kata, and sparring. Rachel Metzger of Hudson won the young women’s division for the fourth year in a row. Austin Reilly of Hemlock Farms won the young men’s championship. Austin trains at the Martial Arts Academy of Lords Valley run by Master Catanzariti. Master Bridget Morrissey of Scranton won the women’s championship for a second time in three years. Mike Zrncic of Mechanicsburg won the Men’s championship. Each year the Martial Arts Academy and the Milford Masonic Lodge # 344 hold there tournament at the Dingman-Delaware Middle School. The tournament raises money for scholarships and holiday gifts for needy families in our area. This was the seventh year the competition was held and this year over 150 martial art students along with there families attended. The Championship awards were presented by Barbra McDonald of Hemlock Sales, Alvin Hollister District Deputy Grand Master 14th Masonic District, and Master Fred Catanzariti..